CNN talks with Kelly Slater

20 November 2010 |
Surfing

Kelly Slater has exchanged a few ideas with CNN's national correspondent Jason Carroll. The 10-time world surfing champion kicked off the interview explaining why he is still in physical form with 38 years old.

Slater says getting married and having kids was a choice of many surfers in the Tour and that probably changes everybody's life a bit.

But he has other thoughts on is remarkable achievement. "I think I found what I'm probably best at. I'm getting the essence of what is it to be in the ocean and ride a wave. I also enter in a focus zone, concentrating in what I'm doing", reveals the Floridian.

"In competition you have to be mentally prepared for anything that can happen, good or bad. You have to be able to see things ahead of time. I spend a lot of time trying to be prepared for all type of scenarios and not letting them bring you down or build you up too much to where you feel invincible. I try not to let emotions rule your physical ability".

Kelly Slater's interview with CNN ended with his own concept of surfing.

"We have our own lifestyle, our own culture. It's not a mainstream culture, it's a lifestyle choice for hardcore surfers who love to surf. Whatever they do for work is basically about making money so they can live their lifestyle by the beach". CNN calls him "the greatest athlete you've never heard of". Excuse me?